35

I was swimming in this dark pool, the inky blackness calling to me like an old friend, asking me to follow it. But something was calling from behind. I twisted the ink water, feeling that tug from the front and the back. Behind me was a warmth, and in front of me was a calm peacefulness.

I felt like something was calling me, making me turn to the warmth. What was that? It felt like home, happiness, my favorite food, my favorite novel, all things good, calling me, begging me to come back. A person… But who? They were begging me, pleading that I come back.

Princess, listen to me. Please… Don’t leave me alone.

That voice, I knew it. I blinked, feeling that pull in my chest. Who was that? I knew them, I did, but who were they?

Please… Don’t make me do this alone.

My heart began to ache for this man; he seemed to be in pain. So I swam toward him, feeling his pain as if it were my own. He was hurting in more ways than one. As I stirred closer to him, he began to get frantic.

That’s it,